Suspension, Brakes and Tires Discussion, Strut Piston Comes Off in Item Specific Cadillac Discussion; In break down of the magnetic struts of a 2003 Seville, should the strut piston be able to come completely ...

Strut Piston Comes Off

In break down of the magnetic struts of a 2003 Seville, should the strut piston be able to come completely out? Doesn't seem right to me. And I don't think it is good to find a lightweight gritty grease leaking everywhere, about a 1/4 of a cup all together at the most.

Re: Strut Piston Comes Off

Pictures would be interesting to see. I would conclude the piston should never come out. It's rather hard to believe. I am not privy to the consistancy of the specialty fluid use in the Magride dampners but if the piston comes out I would suspect serious damage in that strut/shock.

Re: Strut Piston Comes Off

You NEED a real GM/Helm service manual or a subscription to www.alldatadiy.com.
ANY fluid leaking from an F55 strut is cause for replacement - and I would strongly suggest you replace BOTH front struts - if one is excessively worn, so is the other.

Re: Strut Piston Comes Off

Ugh, why did you have to say "ANY" fluid, because there is a bit at the seal of the passenger side.

I am definately getting the impression the car has hit something substantial at the front drivers side.
I have discovered since buying it:
Busted Strut
Bent Wheel with a pin hole leak
New tie rod end
Missing nut on the transmission/cradle mount bolt (the one behind the drivers side strut)

I incorrectly guessed the clunking was the steering shaft during our test drive, didn't see any fluid until lifting the boot up on the strut, while poking around there notice a non-factory tie rod end, meanwhile, a tire kept losing air though a suspected nail, plugged, still leaked, put in water tank, find hole in wheel, and it all starts to add up now.

Re: Strut Piston Comes Off

Is there evidence of a recent history collision repair? Many times collision repairs neglect to address damage not visible only to be realized after ill tire wear becomes present and chassis damage is revealed.

Re: Strut Piston Comes Off

Originally Posted by johnny kannapo

Is there evidence of a recent history collision repair? Many times collision repairs neglect to address damage not visible only to be realized after ill tire wear becomes present and chassis damage is revealed.